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The COPD Grocery Guide

10 Foods for Your COPD Diet

Proper nutrition is key when you're managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People with COPD expend 10 times more energy daily on breathing than individuals with normal lung function, according to Sterling Malish, MD, a pulmonologist and critical care specialist at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. People normally use 36 to 72 calories a day on respiratory muscles, he says, so that means people with COPD may use 360 to 720 calories a day. You can help keep your energy up and get needed nutrients by consuming enough calories while still eating healthy foods. Read on to learn what foods are important to keep in your pantry for a successful COPD diet.

Whole Milk

Be sure to stop in the dairy aisle when you're grocery shopping to pick up some high-calorie, nutrient-rich milk. In addition to being a concentrated source of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, whole milk provides calcium and vitamin D. Whole milk can be important in fighting osteoporosis, especially in people at risk because of medications taken for COPD symptoms. Milkshakes, fortified milk (powdered nonfat milk added to fluid milk), flavored milk, and cheeses made with whole milk are additional good choices.

Peanut Butter

Just 2 tablespoons of peanut butter contains about 8 grams of protein as well as about 8 grams of healthy monounsaturated fat. Spread it on slices of a favorite fruit or hearty bread and have it with a glass of whole milk. Some people with COPD find more success when it comes to consuming calories by eating five or six small meals throughout the day, and peanut butter can be a good and easy choice for one of them. And that's not the only nut butter you'll find in the grocery store. You can also add variety to your COPD diet by trying almond butter.

Unsalted Nuts and Other Healthy-Fat Foods

"Excellent for snacking, unsalted nuts like almonds are packed with protein and monounsaturated fat, similar to peanut butter," says Monica L. Schaefer, a dietitian with outpatient nutrition services at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. "Before you know it, if you eat an ounce, you've eaten about 170 calories." When you're shopping, skip nuts that are roasted or otherwise flavored because they tend to be loaded with sodium. Olive oil and avocados are two other good sources of healthy fats for a COPD diet.

Apples

Apples are powerhouses packed with vitamins and minerals as well as concentrated carbohydrates, especially if eaten dried. There are many varieties to choose from, so experiment with sweet and tart. Seasonal apples will taste especially good. To get the most fiber, try to eat all your fruits and vegetables with the skins on. If coring and chopping fresh apples tends to wear you out, you can buy bags of pre-sliced apples at the store. Or if fresh apples cause excess gas, try snacking on applesauce or drinking apple juice between meals.

Water and Other Beverages

"The breathing difficulties of COPD can leave you feeling dehydrated," says Tori Cohen, RD, director of food and nutrition services at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, Calif. "Staying properly hydrated will help loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough up. That protects from infection and keeps the airways more supple." Get enough fluids throughout the day with water, soups, and most fruits. You might want to buy an inexpensive water filter pitcher so you'll always have easy access to high-quality water at home. But stay away from soda, which contains empty calories, Cohen says.

Oranges

Oranges are an excellent choice at home or on the go when you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The vitamin C in oranges may boost the immune system, and the fruit's potassium may help protect lung function in those with COPD who may be lacking the mineral. In addition, some COPD medications may lower potassium levels as a side effect. Oranges also contain some calcium, which can help ward off osteoporosis. In the winter months, your grocery may stock mandarin oranges, which are smaller than regular oranges and make great snacks.

Greek Yogurt

When you're in the yogurt aisle at the grocery store, go for Greek. "Greek yogurt is a very flexible food you can use as an alternative to sour cream, as a snack, as a side dish, or as a dessert," Schaefer says. "It is higher in protein than regular yogurt, with about 18 grams in a 6-ounce serving." By contrast, regular yogurt has only 8 grams of protein in an 8-ounce serving. Add your own favorite fruit and you've got a small nutrient-rich meal in a snap.

Fish and Other Lean Protein

Protein is important to keep muscles, including respiratory muscles, healthy when you have COPD. Fish is a great source of protein as well as a nutritious way to provide necessary calories and variety in your diet. Buying frozen fish can be a good way to stock up without spending as much money or needing to eat the fish right away. Ideally, you should have a serving of protein at least twice a day. Other smart protein choices include lean meat, poultry, eggs, nuts, and dried beans.

Butter and Other Fats

If you don't have health issues such as heart disease or high cholesterol, butter — and other fats — can help provide additional calories in your diet. Pat it on bread, veggies, or grains like rice and pasta. Cream cheese, regular salad dressings, dips, and sour cream are other options available at the store. Olive oil, peanut oil, and canola oil are healthier choices if you need to watch your heart health as well as manage COPD.

Smoothie Ingredients

Sometimes chewing food can be tiring for people with COPD, but the good news is you can sip your nutrition too. "Smoothies can be a combination of all kinds of fruits, veggies, milks, yogurts, and proteins as a concentrated source of calories, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals," Schaefer says. For some extra healthy fat, add a spoonful of peanut butter or avocado slices to your smoothies.

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